Power outage protest: IBEDC apologises, urges customers to embrace dialogue

The management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has apologised for the inconvenience caused by ongoing power supply challenges across its franchise.

The apology was contained in a statement issued by the company in Ibadan.
IBEDC attributed the situation largely to issues affecting power generation and supply from the national grid.

According to the company, gas supply shortages to power generating plants have reduced generation capacity nationwide, leading to increased load shedding across the network.
It added that electricity demand within the IBEDC franchise had risen significantly in recent months, particularly following the addition of more Band A feeders in compliance with regulatory directives.

“Energy allocation from the national grid has been unstable, resulting in supply shortfalls in communities and periodic declines in available power, thereby widening the gap between supply and customer demand.

“As a result, some communities within our franchise are experiencing supply shortfalls.

“We fully understand the frustration this has generated among our customers and sincerely apologise for the disruption to homes, businesses and economic activities,” the company said.

The management noted that the continued epileptic power supply had triggered protests in some communities within the franchise.
The company appealed for calm and urged customers to embrace dialogue as efforts intensify to address the situation.

“We appeal to our valued customers and communities to embrace dialogue rather than protest.

“IBEDC has been working with community leaders and stakeholders across our coverage areas to foster mutual understanding and work towards sustainable solutions,” it added.

The company assured customers that it was engaging with relevant stakeholders in the power value chain to address the imbalance in energy allocation, restore grid stability and improve electricity supply.